Board attorney Paul Barger made the announcement after board members met behind closed doors for about an hour, some of which was spent with Phillipsburg officials. He said the district will instead explore offering multiple options for high schools, including Phillipsburg and Del Val.

The board also plans on conducting a community survey, according to Barger.

"It's going to be very specific about what the community wants to do," he said of the survey sent to all borough registered voters. "It is going to be advisory, it's not binding. The board is absolutely looking for input from the community."

The move comes after district officials last month delayed a vote after discussing the prospect of letting voters declare their choice through a voter referendum. Barger said tonight the district wouldn't have been able to conduct a formal public poll until January.

"It would cost at least $8,000," he said. "A community survey is faster, it's going to get the same information and it's a lot less expensive."

Most residents spoke in favor of the survey, while one resident questioned the lack of privacy versus a referendum.

The feasibility study - which was done in response to requests from residents - indicated the change would give students a better school environment and improved graduation rates. Taxpayers would pay almost $70,000 more for tuition and transportation at Del Val.

Phillipsburg School Board President Kevin DeGerolamo, who attended the meeting and met with Bloomsbury officials, said he was glad Bloomsbury held off a vote.

"P'burg wants to continue the send/receive relationship that we have with Bloomsbury," DeGerolamo said, adding the survey is a great idea. "We feel we're a good fit for their students."